Turkey a friend indeed

The
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has just received four-million dalasis
worth of medical equipment from the Turkish Embassy in Banjul.

The
equipment, we were informed, were donated by the Turkish International Cooperation
and Coordination Agency (TIKA) based in Dakar through its embassy in Banjul.

The
support by our Turkish friends is a clear demonstration that the Government of
Turkey means well for The Gambia.

The
medical items, such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, baby weigh scales and
standard digital thermometers, would significantly boost health service
delivery in the country as the items cut across various segments of our health
needs in this country.

Turkey
has courageously carried out this assistance at a time that country is
grappling with the challenge of a foiled coup the government is still unraveling.

The
donated materials, according to reports, are firsthand - from the factory,
which the Turkish ambassador to The Gambia confirmed, saying: “The Gambian people
deserve the best in terms of medical equipment.”

The
items, which are intended for five major health centres across The Gambia,
would do a lot of good to the country’s health sector.

It
will as well be of huge help to the Gambia government in its efforts at
upgrading the medical system and infrastructure of health centres in the
country.

In
deed it will, as stated by health officials and the Turkish ambassador,
drastically reduce health burden on the rural people, especially those in small
villages, in their quest to have access to basic medical needs.

“I
have the conviction that these medical items will also contribute and
strengthen the capacity of The Gambia health system, particularly in the rural
areas,” said the Turkish ambassador, who expressed belief in The Gambia
“attaining” its goals in the health sector.

Turkey,
according to the ambassador, would continue to contribute to The Gambia’s
development goals both in the scope of capacity building training and in other
medical materials or equipment.

Turkey
is really a friend, indeed, as good health is the cornerstone of development.

Good
health, it must be said, boosts labour productivity. It also makes substantial
contribution to educational attainment and income, thereby reduces poverty.

So
whoever renders support in that domain means well for that society.